How far did the car travel in the fourth second?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the distance a car travels during the fourth second of acceleration from 14 m/s to 26 m/s over a total duration of 4 seconds. The correct formula for the distance traveled in a specific second is derived from the change in velocity and acceleration. The participant initially misapplied the distance formula, resulting in an incorrect value of 80 meters instead of the correct answer of 24.5 meters for the fourth second. The key takeaway is the distinction between total distance and distance in a specific time interval.

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lauralovesyou
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Homework Statement


A car accelerates from 14 m/s to 26m/s in 4s. How far did the car travel in the fourth second?


Homework Equations


a=vf-vi/t = 26-14/4=3

d=vf^2-vi^2/2a=26^2-14^2/3=80


The answer is 24.5, but I keep getting 80 and I don't know why.
 
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Your answer is correct, perhaps the book is wrong?
 


You've worked out the distance traveled in four seconds, the question is asking for the distance traveled in the fourth second.

If you're still stuck;

Try using the equation d = vi * t + (0.5 * a * t2)
Use it to work out how far the car travels in three seconds, then how far it travels in four seconds (your value of 80m is correct).
Then use the two to work out how far it traveled in the fourth second.
 

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